Dyson gives field a lifeline in Open de Espana

Simon Dyson let the chasing pack back into the hunt in the Open de Espana with a double bogey on the last hole of the third round to cut his lead going into the final day to just one shot.

After a delay of nearly two hours because of a flooded course Dyson shot a 1-under 71 to overtake Gregory Bourdy at the top of the leaderboard.

The Frenchman struggled in the tough conditions and eventually signed for an 80.

Dyson on the other hand was furious with the way he finished his round, having built a three shot lead with just one hole to play, but Dyson found the bunker and failed to get out on the first attempt, which led to a double-bogey finish and a lifeline for the rest of the field.

The Englishman will start the final round one ahead of Spain’s Pablo Larrazábal and Dane Søren Kjeldsen.

Dyson said: “17 and a half great holes. I played some great golf.

“I drove the ball fantastic today, long and straight. I’m only disappointed with the last.

“I just got a flyer with my second shot, a six iron, and had 180 yards to the pin but it just came off like a bullet, I hit a poor bunker shot, I just quit on it, no excuse. I had a good second bunker shot but it just ran out and the putt jumped and lost its momentum.

“I’m just really disappointed, as I should be out of sight the way I am playing.

“Given the conditions, my control was excellent. Almost all my shots today, except for the last, were straight down the flags.

“A third round under par around here in this type of conditions is still pretty good, but a little sour taste.

“I’ve still got a one shot lead and while I should be out of sight in leading, I will have to go out and enjoy the challenge again.

“There will be good crowds tomorrow and Pablo is a good lad, I have a lot of respect for him and I’m looking forward to playing with him. Hopefully we will bounce off each other and it will be a good finish.”